Apple, Adobe and Microsoft called before Parliamentary IT pricing inquiry

We're seeing some real spill now, with the three big tech companies receiving subpoenas to appear in a public hearing.

While not specifically focusing on games, the IT pricing inquiry is looking across the board at tech products and services in Australia and their relatively high cost.

New Zealand hasn't chosen to issue the same kind of investigation into its (even higher) retail prices, but is watching Australia's inquiry closely.

MP Ed Husic, one of the lead players in setting up the inquiry, told Kotaku:

These firms should have cooperated and been prepared to be more open and transparent about their pricing approaches... In what's probably the first time anywhere in the world, these IT firms are now being called by the Australian Parliament to explain why they price their products so much higher in Australia compared to the US.

Each company now faces legal action if it fails to appear at the hearing.

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